Rishi Sunak faces new Rwanda revolt from Tory left in fresh party turmoil - live

Moderates say they could join right-wing MPs in pushing PM to change migrants deportation bill

Rishi Sunak wins Rwanda vote despite Tory rebellion

Rishi Sunak has been hit by a fresh headache on his flagship Rwanda bill, as senior Conservatives on the left said they would join right-wing rebels in pushing for changes ahead of an expected second vote in January.

The embattled PM had believed he could count on Tory MPs in the moderate “One Nation” wing, as he fights to appease their rivals on the right who are demanding tougher deportation legislation.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk suggested the government would not cede to right-wingers by toughening up the bill, despite their threats to vote it down.

But, as No 10 prepares for crunch talks with the right-wingers over Christmas, senior Tory moderates told The Independent they were considering how to amend the bill to soften it.

Earlier, Sir Keir Starmer mocked Tory MPs who criticised Rishi Sunak in the press in PMQs.

The Labour leader goaded the Tory benches, saying: “Come on, come on. Who was it who said he’s a really bad politician? Hands up.”

Meanwhile, Mark Drakeford announced he was standing down as Welsh Labour leader, triggering a contest to find his successor.

Key Points

• Starmer mocks unity of Tory party at PMQs
• Mark Drakeford to stand down as Labour first minister of Wales
• Sunak’s popularity hits new low, poll suggests
• Home secretary denies Rwanda Bill will be killed next year
• Sunak faces new year showdown with Tories over Rwanda policy after Commons win
• Is it time the Rwanda scheme was scrapped? Join the Independent Debate

[12 December 2023 15:01 · Tara Cobham]

Suspended Tory MP Peter Bone is back in parliament

Peter Bone, who lost the Tory whip and was banned from parliament for six weeks for indecently exposing himself to a staffer, has come to parliament for the second reading of the Rwanda bill.

As Rishi Sunak launched a desperate push to get his emergency legislation over the line and save his premiership, Mr Bone was spotted driving into the parliamentary estate.

He has not had the Tory whip restored since the parliamentary commissioner for standards upheld five allegations of bullying and one of sexual misconduct.

Mr Sunak needs every vote he can get to ensure the bill has enough support.

Peter Bone lost the Tory whip and was banned from parliament for six weeks for indecently exposing himself to a staffer (PA Wire)

[12 December 2023 15:00 · Kate Devlin, Politics and Whitehall Editor]

Former immigration minister Jenrick to vote against bill – unless government agrees to amend it

Rebel Tory are watching closely to see how former immigration minister Robert Jenrick votes tonight.

He quit over the Rwanda bill last week, warning it would not work.

I understand he plans to vote against the bill unless the government commits to amending it.

In the Commons earlier he told MPs: "This bill could be so much better, let's make it better. Let's make it work."

Rebel Tory are watching closely to see how former immigration minister Robert Jenrick votes tonight (PA)

[12 December 2023 14:56 · Tara Cobham]

Small boat arrivals will rise ‘for many years to come’ without Rwanda plan, says Jenrick

The number of small boat arrivals in the UK will rise “for many years to come” unless the Rwanda plan is properly carried out, Robert Jenrick told the Commons.

The former immigration minister described the argument among his colleagues on the Tory benches over the plan as a “good faith disagreement”.

He added: “There are good people on both sides of this House and certainly within my party who have disagreements about how we can make this policy work.

“But my point of view is this, when untold damage is being done to our country, when this issue will be with us for years if not decades to come, where if we do not operationalise this policy correctly, we will see the numbers rise, and we will see them rise for many years to come.

“If, God forbid, there was a Labour government, there would be a decade of small boat arrivals. I want to stop that.”

[12 December 2023 14:51 · Archie Mitchell, Political Correspondent]

Rebels warned of ‘consequences’ if they vote against Rishi Sunak’s plan

Tory rebels have been warned not to vote against Rishi Sunak’s deal or there will be “consequences”, it has emerged.

Those considering opposing the PM’s plan could lose the Conservative Party whip, The Sun’s political editor Harry Cole reported.